Suspect with weapons, ammunition arrested on his way to LA pride parade

In Santa Monica Sunday, police arrested a man with a car full of weapons, ammunition and chemicals that could be used in an explosive device. The suspect was identified as James Howell of Indiana. He said he was on his way to the LA Pride Festival, although it wasn’t clear what his intentions were.

Santa Monica Police Chief Jacqueline Seabrooks originally tweeted that Howell had intended to “harm” the gay pride event, but later said the comments were inaccurate and that he was going to the festival, but he hadn’t stated his intent.

Officials said there is no connection between Howell and the attack in Orlando.

KCRW spoke to NBC Network news Investigative Reporter Andrew Blankstein about Howell and some of the confusion surrounding his arrest.

Officials said this is not connected to the shooting at gay nightclub in Orlando.

Early Sunday, Santa Monica police received a call of a suspected prowler near Olympic Boulevard and 11th Street. Patrol officers responded and encountered an individual who told officers he was waiting for a friend. That led officers to inspect the car and find several weapons and a lot of ammunition as well as tannerite, an ingredient that could be used to create a pipe bomb.